Nunavut urges people to apply for money to provide “local food” for “local people”

"They can get money to pay harvesters for country food to be distributed free to hungry people"

NUNATSIAQ NEWS

At Iqaluit's country food markets, you can buy ptarmigan and other locally-harvested foods. The Government of Nunavut is encouraging country food harvesters to apply for money under its country food distribution program. (PHOTO COURTESY OF W. HYNDMAN)

The Government of Nunavut’s economic development and transportation department is urging hunters and others who want to harvest or distribute country food — for free — to apply for money through the GN’s country food distribution program.

The GN said Nov. 13 that it wants to ensure that “local food is available for local people.”

“That means affordable and nutritious country food like caribou, char, muskox and seal,” a Nov. 13 reminder about the country food distribution program said.

The $1.5 million program can give communities up to $10,000 to repair community freezers, purchase infrastructure for community markets, buy country food to distribute to the public, and provide training to harvesters.

Hamlets, hunters and trappers’ organizations, non-profit corporations and societies may apply for money.

“They can get money to pay harvesters for country food to be distributed free to hungry people,” the GN said.